Undergrad Profile

Here at Clarion University, we dedicate ourselves to providing every one of our 5,200 students with the resources and skills needed to take the next step with courage and confidence.

Sound familiar? Choosing a university right for you is a monumental—and sometimes overwhelming—decision that plays a direct role in shaping your future success.

To help alleviate some of that pressure, here are a few of our most popular FAQs to help guide your decision-making process.

How do I know if a school is right for me?An important part of choosing the right college is deciding whether or not it has all the programs you are looking for, both socially and academically. At Clarion University, there are over 200 student organizations designed to help you discover your interests and sharpen your skills. From multicultural student organizations and fraternities/sororities to honor societies and intramural sports, students are highly encouraged to follow their passions and participate in a wide array of extracurricular activities. With roughly half of the student programs focused around academia, Clarion University leads the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in the number of academic programs with the nation’s top accreditation. In addition to student life programs, a big factor to consider when applying is the location in western Pennsylvania. Roughly an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh, the city of Clarion is regarded as one of the top outdoor recreational areas in the state.

Am I getting the right education?Since 1867, Clarion University has been driven by one primary goal: to prepare our students with the knowledge and proficiency to excel in their area of interest, whatever the interest may be. With over 150 degrees and programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level, Clarion University offers the highest number of nationally accredited programs in the state system. And with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, Clarion University ensures all classes are taught by seasoned faculty and never by graduate assistants. In addition to a diverse academic portfolio, Clarion University is also proud to provide our students with additional academic opportunities through our esteemed honors programs andseveral pre-professional programs in health-related fields.

What’s the living situation like?From brand new residence halls with great amenities to off-campus apartments, there are many housing options to choose from—all of which help foster a dynamic student community. For first-year students and sophomores, on-campus residence halls provide an all-inclusive living style, fitted with utilities, cable, Internet, and convenient locations. Off-campus housing is available to juniors and seniors who want a more independent college experience. In addition, a variety of meal plans—ranging from 14 meals a week to unlimited—are available to all students for quick, fresh dining options each day of the week.

How do I get started?The first steps in deciding if Clarion University is right for you is to conduct research on your own. Go to clarion.edu/visitus to schedule a visit to our campus and read up on any questions you may have, such as financial aid and program specifics. Can’t make it to campus? Tour/visit virtually at clarion.edu/virtualtour. For any further questions, please feel free to contact Clarion University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.